You just can't make this stuff up!
One of the attractions that many have to Greenleaf's work, and the reason I have been trying to provide more quotes and insight from his work lately, is that it is so relevant to today's need for leadership within organizations. What is encouraging about investing one's energy in the principles of servant-leadership is his seminal work, the essay The Servant as Leader, was written over 30 years ago; and it makes just as much sense, if not more, in today's world. His writings are truly prophetic.
Yesterday I was quoting Greenleaf's concern about the interaction between the trustees/board and a single chief executive. Well, this morning when I woke up I found this article about the final deal made between Benjamin Ladner of American University and the Board of Trustees. I have mentioned this issue here before; Dr. Ladner, who was president of the University, was investigated for some of his very elaborate spending with university monies. The university released him from his duties, but not before providing him with a $3.75 million settlement, $20,000 for moving expenses, 90 days grace to vacate the university-owned house he used, other monies to settle his taxable income issues with the IRS, and no requirement to pay back his questionable spending. Not surprisingly, a total of three board members have resigned in protest, not to mention the protests of the deans, faculty, and students of the university. The board members resigned because the trustees were "putting Ben Ladner before American University."
Not only did the trustees put too much faith and trust in one chief operator, but now that there has been questionable behavior by this individual they are still willing to pay him to settle his improper dealings with the IRS!
Friday Update: Here are a couple of articles from this morning's papers about the Severance deal at American University. If you are unable to access them and need/want access to either of these articles in full, send me an e-mail:
1) The NY Times reports that student leaders have begun encouraging students to call on Congress to replace the board. The message he sent to students: "Don't let American University set a precedent for Enron-style corporate crime within higher education." Evidently Congress chartered the university in 1893 and retains certain oversight responsibilities. A very creative move on behalf of the student body; we'll see if it works.
2) The Chronicle of Higher Ed reports that two members of the board have issued an apology. The board has acknowledged that they lacked a "clear understanding" of Mr. Ladner's contract and various forms of compensation. Wait a minute....isn't the board the one who hired the guy in the first place? And they don't know anything about his contract? HMMMM....
They write: "The board has resolved to do better, much better, in the future --- to be a board fully worthy of the fine institution to whom its care is entrusted." For the sake of the university, its employees, and students, I sure hope so!
Yesterday I was quoting Greenleaf's concern about the interaction between the trustees/board and a single chief executive. Well, this morning when I woke up I found this article about the final deal made between Benjamin Ladner of American University and the Board of Trustees. I have mentioned this issue here before; Dr. Ladner, who was president of the University, was investigated for some of his very elaborate spending with university monies. The university released him from his duties, but not before providing him with a $3.75 million settlement, $20,000 for moving expenses, 90 days grace to vacate the university-owned house he used, other monies to settle his taxable income issues with the IRS, and no requirement to pay back his questionable spending. Not surprisingly, a total of three board members have resigned in protest, not to mention the protests of the deans, faculty, and students of the university. The board members resigned because the trustees were "putting Ben Ladner before American University."
Not only did the trustees put too much faith and trust in one chief operator, but now that there has been questionable behavior by this individual they are still willing to pay him to settle his improper dealings with the IRS!
Friday Update: Here are a couple of articles from this morning's papers about the Severance deal at American University. If you are unable to access them and need/want access to either of these articles in full, send me an e-mail:
1) The NY Times reports that student leaders have begun encouraging students to call on Congress to replace the board. The message he sent to students: "Don't let American University set a precedent for Enron-style corporate crime within higher education." Evidently Congress chartered the university in 1893 and retains certain oversight responsibilities. A very creative move on behalf of the student body; we'll see if it works.
2) The Chronicle of Higher Ed reports that two members of the board have issued an apology. The board has acknowledged that they lacked a "clear understanding" of Mr. Ladner's contract and various forms of compensation. Wait a minute....isn't the board the one who hired the guy in the first place? And they don't know anything about his contract? HMMMM....
They write: "The board has resolved to do better, much better, in the future --- to be a board fully worthy of the fine institution to whom its care is entrusted." For the sake of the university, its employees, and students, I sure hope so!
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